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Obama Steps in to Keep Gillibrand's Election Path Clear
By
Billy Parker
Published May 16, 2009
Modified May 16, 2009
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By
Billy Parker
Published May 16, 2009
Modified May 16, 2009
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If a strongly-worded recommendation from Chuck Schumer wasn't enough to discourage Congressman Steve Israel from challenging Kirsten Gillibrand in next year's Democratic primary for Senate, party brass brought in the big boss to make sure he knew how serious the sentiment was. Israel announced that he had decided not to run yesterday shortly after receiving a call from President Obama. Israel said, "When (the president) asked me to take a leadership role in fighting for his agenda, I wasn't about to say no. He believes that at this critical time...that party unity is important." Carolyn Maloney may be next potential challenger pushed to the side, but it doesn't appear that there is any sign of retreat from Gillibrand's most visible foe since entering the Senate, Carolyn McCarthy. She may also have to face labor activist Jonathan Tasini, who told Politico, "Had the party leadership sought to “clear the field” in 2008 and control a vigorous debate about the direction of our party and our country, Barack Obama would not be president today."
Tagged
carolyn maloney
carolyn mccarthy
chuck schumer
election 2010
jonathan tasini
kirsten gillibrand
president obama
steve israel
Billy Parker
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